Wrestling News and Updates

Big Shake-Up! Blaise Butler On The Move

Big Shake-Up! Blaise Butler On The Move

May 3, 2015 by Christian Pyles
Big Shake-Up!  Blaise Butler On The Move
Blaise Butler wins at 174 pounds against Logan StorleyAnother day, another big time ACC talent making their way to Missouri. Yesterday we informed you about Grant Leeth’s transfer from Duke to Missouri. This time it’s rising 5th year Senior at 174 pounds, Blaise Butler. Butler has been lighting people up for the navy and orange of the Virginia Cavaliers for the past few seasons. Next year he’ll be wearing the black and gold of the Missouri Tigers.

We caught up with Blaise to talk to him about the transfer, his decision to move on from UVA and why he chose Missouri:

“I don't like the word transfer. I am graduating from UVA, and I am choosing to attend a graduate school at another university. Towards the beginning of the year, I made the decision that I wanted to pursue a career in business. I knew that there was a chance that I would not get into the business school at UVA, so I began to explore other options at other universities. I felt that the MBA program at the University of Missouri was the best fit for me.”

Sometimes, the fit or lack of success can lead to an athlete looking to transfer elsewhere. Blaise assured us that heading to Missouri had nothing to do with his NCAA performance:

“This was a career move. I love the UVA wrestling program. It didn't matter whether I won a national title, or I went 0-2 at the tournament, if I did not get into the program of my choice, then I was going to leave. None the less, I am very excited to be a part of the Missouri wrestling program.“

In addition to Missouri having both the business school of his choice and a fine wrestling reputation, there are certainly some ties on the personal level that call Blaise to Columbia Missouri. Blaise’s brother, Alex committed to Missouri and will be attending there next year.  When asked if Alex’s commitment had any impact on the decision, Blaise had this to say:

“It was a huge pull. It was the main reason that I explored Missouri as an option. I have never wrestled on the same team as my brother, so this would be the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm excited to be there to watch him develop just as I did.”

Additionally, Blaise has a connection to a member of the coaching staff as well with Alex Clemsen who was an assistant at UVA before coming to Missouri in 2014. Blaise gave his thoughts on being reunited with Coach Clemsen:

“I attribute much of my success to Coach Clemsen's coaching the first three years of my college career. Also, I just couldn't see myself going to a school and walking onto a team where I didn't have any personal connections with any of the coaches or wrestlers there. I had that at Missouri with Coach Clemsen and my brother." 

Blaise made the jump up 2 weights from 157 last year to 174 this season. Blaise insinuated that he was leaning towards staying put next year:

“At this point I plan on staying at 174. But if the coaches at Missouri would like me to drop down, than I will be more than happy to.”

Blaise spent 4 years at UVA under Coach Garland and staff at UVA. He described what it was like breaking the news to his Cavalier brethren:

“It was the hardest conversation I've ever had in my life. I care deeply about my coaches at UVA, and I knew that me leaving would be hurting the program. But I do believe that they have my best interest at heart, so I knew that they would eventually understand. It was even harder telling my best friends and teammates that I was leaving, because those are the guys that I have shared so many great memories with.”

Butler will be a Senior next year and is a two time NCAA qualifier. While he’s failed to place, he’s downed a number of hammers the last two years: Ian Miller (watch match here), Logan Storley (watch match here),  Zach Epperly ( on 3 different occasions, watch his win at VA duals here) and Kurtis Julson.

Butler is known for his wide open style with a great combination of upper body holds and leg attacks.  Check out his Dirty Flo Takedown of the Week when Blaise BOMBED Julson in OT!